Our architecture and design department will listen to your needs and work with you to develop a design that is suited to your requirements and the site location, helping you to realise your vision.

The services we offer are based upon the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work. This is a framework that defines work stages, which are then used to ensure that the planning and co-ordination of your project are integral to its development.

We can offer you the full scope of services, please see the links below, or you may wish to appoint us for a specific task.  Should you require further information on this matter please contact us.

We may also review the procurement route with you at this stage.

Scope of Services

Appraisal

At this stage we can discuss your project with you to identify your needs and objectives, any business case and possible constraints on development.

We would also need to prepare feasibility studies and an assessment of options to enable you to decide whether to proceed.

Design Brief

You may also wish to develop your initial statement of requirements into a Design Brief that clarifies what you need as opposed to what you want. This is something we can either assist you with, or do on your behalf.

At this stage we can also discuss the best contractual route (the procurement route) for delivering your project, and advise you on the appointment of other consultants necessary to realise your vision.

Concept

Once your Design Brief has been determined we can begin to prepare the Concept Design. 

At this stage outline proposals for structural and building services systems, outline specifications and preliminary cost plan may also be prepared by other consultants.

Design Development

During this stage the development of the Concept Design incorporates the structural and building services systems, updated outline specifications and cost plan.

The project brief will be finalised

An application for detailed planning permission will be submitted to the Local Planning Authority. You will be required to pay all applicable planning fees.

Technical Design

We can then prepare technical design(s) and specifications, sufficient to co-ordinate components and elements of the project and information gathered to ensure your project complies with statutory and construction safety standards.

Production Information

Production information would then be prepared in sufficient detail to enable a tender or tenders to be obtained and an application for statutory approvals to be submitted.

At this stage the design needs to be adequately developed to allow design co-ordination, contractors to prepare a price for building your project, and an application to be made for Building Regulations consent. You will be required to pay all applicable building control fees.

Preparation of further information for construction may be required under the Building Contract.

Tender Documentation

Preparation and/or collation of tender documentation in sufficient detail to enable a tender or tenders to be obtained for your project.

Tender Action

We can identify and evaluate potential contractors and/or specialists for your project, obtain and appraise tenders; our recommendations are then submitted to you.

Mobilisation

We can offer guidance during the mobilisation period when letting the Building Contract, appointing your chosen contractor and arranging site hand over.

Construction to Practical Completion

We can administer the Building Contract to Practical Completion, during which the provision of further information to the contractor may be necessary as and when reasonably required.

We can also review the information provided by contractors and specialists. 

Post Practical Completion

We can administer the Building Contract after Practical Completion and make final inspections. You may also like us to assist building users during the initial occupation period and/or carry out a post-occupation evaluation.

Additional Services

Using the latest CAD software we are able to model your project to enable three dimensional views and virtual walk throughs.

In the event of a dispute with a neighbour or a Building Contractor it is always best to attempt to settle matters without reverting to Court action, however, this is sometimes unavoidable.  In such circumstances there may be the need for a report from an Expert Witness which may be relied upon by any judicial or quasi judicial body in the UK.  These include courts, tribunals, committees including patron adjudicators and independent experts but not mediation.

We comply with the Civil Procedure Rules, together with the associated Practice Direction, Pre-Action Protocols and Forms applicable to the procedure of the High Court and County Courts in England and Wales.

We can assist with the mediation process and prepare independant reports.

We are also able to act as a Surveyor Advocate.

We strictly follow RICS Professional Standards and Guidance in respect of all dispute resolution matters.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 places legal responsibilities on dutyholders including clients, home owners, designers, contractors and sub-contractors.

The legislation applies to the whole construction process on all construction projects, from concept to completion.

Nevertheless, all building projects must comply with current Health and Safety Legislation, and with our knowledge and experience we are able to advise on key requirements.

Contract Administration (Contract Management) can be summarised as a process of systematically and efficiently managing Contract creation, execution and analysis for the purpose of maximising financially and operational performance and minimising risk.

Whether a small domestic extension or a multi million pound commercial development some form of Contract is highly recommended.  As a Chartered Practice, with our knowledge and experience of Contract Administration, we are able to advise on the most appropriate form of Contractor for your project.

The Contract Administrator has an important role in giving advice and information, and also monitoring the construction work to completion.  The mandatory nature of these duties is reflected in the Contract between the Contract Administrator and the Employer, and in the Contract between the Employer and the Contractor.  As such, there is often considerable scope for disagreement. 

Therefore, do not take any chances with your building project, however small it may be.  Seek the advice of the Professionals, contact Prime Building Consultants Limited.

We are frequently appointed to act as Employers Agent in respect of new and existing housing schemes.

We have vast experience in administrating Contracts as both Employers Agent in Design and Build remits and Contract Administration in traditionally procured works.  We are well versed in various forms of Contracts and offer a wide range of Contract Advice and Administration Services to both private Clients, larger private Developers and Housing Associations.

Since the Party Wall Etc Act 1996 came into force, Homeowners in England and Wales have a procedure that puts in place agreements to safeguard the rights of individuals undertaking certain types of building works along with their respective neighbours/adjoining owners.  The Party Wall Act protects the party involved in the event that issues arise or if damage is caused during notifiable works.

The Party Wall Act 1996 covers works being undertaken by a ‘Building Owner’ such as excavations within 3m of an adjoining structure, works to a shared, party wall, party fence wall etc with several other instances where by the Party Wall Act becomes enforceable.

We are able to offer expert advice on the Party Wall Act and are able to assist on an impartial basis under the Act itself. The consultancy is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and our company adhere to their strict code of conduct.

We offer clear, impartial and expert advice.

• Building Surveys
• Measured Surveys
• Condition Surveys
• Dilapidation Surveys
• Defect Surveys
• Bank Monitoring Services
• Structural Engineer Services
• Cost Control
• Disability Discrimination Act and Access Audit Advice
• Quality Control
• Construction Monitoring